(JEFFERSONVILLE) - Clark Memorial Hospital and Norton Children's Hospital has announced the opening of the first Level II neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Southern Indiana at Clark Memorial's Family Birth Place.

The collaboration connects neonatologists from Norton Children's Hospital with pediatricians in the NICU at Clark Memorial Hospital, allowing better access to specialty care close to home for residents in Southern Indiana.

The Level II NICU at Clark Memorial Hospital will soon be equipped to care for infants delivered as early as 32 weeks gestation. These infants typically have medical conditions that are expected to resolve quickly or are associated with premature birth.

"Since joining the Norton Healthcare and LifePoint Health network of hospitals in August 2015, Clark Memorial Hospital has had access to new resources that have allowed us to make significant strides in strengthening our service offerings in many areas, including this Level II NICU," said Martin Padgett, CEO of Clark Memorial Hospital. "The partnership with Norton Children's Hospital and Level II NICU designation is a direct result of our Norton and LifePoint affiliation and affords us the opportunity to provide families in Southern Indiana neonatal care closer to home, encouraging healing and growth even faster."

Neonatologists from Norton Children's Hospital will provide immediate consultations to physicians at Clark Memorial Hospital, educational support to nurses and physicians, and conduct quality reviews. The Norton Children's Hospital neonatologists also will aid in the implementation of best practices aimed at improving neonatal care in Southern Indiana.

"We are pleased to be able to support the efforts of Clark Memorial Hospital and its commitment to providing specialized care to newborns who need additional medical attention," said Ketan C. Mehta, M.D., neonatology medical director at Clark Memorial Hospital and a neonatologist with Norton Children's Neonatology. "This is a great opportunity to ensure Southern Indiana's newborns get better today and can be healthier tomorrow."

To celebrate the new Level II NICU, the hospital will host a small reception for employees Friday, March 10. The Level II NICU, which is expected to open in the summer of 2017, will also be a focal point during the hospital's annual Baby Fair, which is slated for Saturday, April 8.

"The Family Birth Place at Clark Memorial Hospital is known for its exceptional care for expectant parents across Kentucky and Southern Indiana," said Ellee Humphrey, director of women's services at Clark Memorial Hospital. "We are genuinely excited to be able to offer this enhanced level of care locally and know that our community will benefit for many years to come."

For more information on the Level II NICU at Clark Memorial Hospital, visit ClarkMemorial.org.